HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA HAERE KI O KOUTOU TIPUNA

Mr WIREMU PEKA KARAURIA KEREKERE Mr Wiremu Peka Karauria Kerekere, who died recently at Gisborne at the age of 80 after a long illness, was the acknowledged chief of the Aitanga-a-Mahiki tribe. Son of Mr Peka Kerekere and Hine Puhi, Mr Kerekere lived at Torere before moving to Mangatu. He later moved to Gisborne and finally settled at Waihirere. Mrs Kerekere died 52 years ago. Mr Kerekere served on the Committee of Management of the Mangatu blocks for over 40 years until his retirement in 1952. A keen rugby and hockey player when young, Mr Kerekere was president and vice-president of the Poverty Bay Hockey Association and the Kerekere Cup is one of the trophies still played for in hockey competitions. He was also patron to many hockey and tennis club associations. Mr Kerekere held the New Zealand professional championship shot-put for two years and competed against many professional athletes. He was presented with gold medals for these feats. Of a retiring and modest nature, Mr Kerekere made many friends among Europeans and was held in high regard by his own people. An ardent church-goer, he took an active part in all Church of England affairs. Mr Kerekere was predeceased by three days by his daughter, Miss Hikihiki Kerekere and is survived by two sons, Messrs Taipuarangi and Wiremu Kerekere and five grandchildren.

Mr JOSEPH KARETU NIKERA The death occurred recently at Waipatu, Hastings, of Mr Joseph Karetu Nikera, one of the most highly respected Maori personalities of the district. Born at Motea, 61 years ago, Mr Nikera had resided at Waipatu all his life and was a successful farmer in the area. In recent years. he opened what is known as “Mom's Store” and was engaged in his farm and store work at the time of his death. Mr Nikera was educated at Te Aute College and was one of the leading organisers of the college centennial celebrations when they were held. He was a very active member of the Maori social welfare and tribal committees, and during the last war, was the leader in many Maori patriotic demonstrations. He was in camp in home service during the war. Though a member of the Church of England, Mr Nikera was also a leading figure in organising Catholic Church conventions which were held at Waipatu, and as chairman of the Kahungunu and Waipatu social clubs, he organised the choir competitions which were held at Waipatu. A man of very genial personality, Mr Nikera was highly regarded by all sections of the community. He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Beatrice Manina, and one daughter, Mrs N. O'Donnell.

Mrs HINEHOU TUREIA Representatives of Maori tribes throughout New Zealand gathered in Gisborne some months ago for the tangi and funeral of Mrs Hinehou Tureia. She was 64 years old, born at Whakate Manutuke, a daughter of the late Heta te Kani a Takirau and Karukoura Hoone. She was a pupil at the Manutuke and Te Arai schools and Hukarere College, Napier. In 1922, she married the late Captain Parekura Tureia, a veteran of the First World War who enlisted again for service in the Second World War and lost his life at El Alamein in 1941 while serving with the Maori Battalion. Mrs Tureia was an acknowledged leader among her own people as chieftainess of all the tribes of the eastern area. She was a direct descendant of Hirini Te Kani, a paramount chief in his own right and one of the most noted figures in the early history of the district. Mrs Tureia was a prominnet worker in the Red Cross Society and was engaged in patriotic work during the war, and was awarded the M.B.E. for her services. She also took an active interest in the work of the Tairawhiti Maori Welfare League and held the office of vice-president. She is survived by four sons, Messrs Boydie, Pana, Augie and Boy Tureia, two daughters, Sister Rita Tureia and Miss Qui Tureia, and several grandchildren.